FX Chains For Dub - Ableton, Logic & Reaper

Step-by-Step FX Chain Setup for Reggae, Dub & Roots Production

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Dub is built on effects. In this genre, FX aren’t extras—they’re instruments. Echo, reverb, filters, phasers, and distortion shape the sound and space.

Using FX chains lets you:

• Perform dub live using throws and drops

• Add space, tension, and release to your mix

• Create movement and texture through automation and control

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ABLETON LIVE – Creating Dub FX Chains

Best for: Hands-on dubbing, live FX, visual routing

Step-by-Step: Using Audio Effect Racks & Return Tracks

1. Add Return Tracks

• Right-click in Mixer → Insert Return Track

• Create 3–4 returns for different effects

2. Load FX on Return Tracks

• Return A: Echo (or Delay)

• Return B: Reverb (Hybrid Reverb or Reverb)

• Return C: Auto Filter

• Return D: Saturator or Overdrive

3. Send Audio/MIDI to FX

• Use Send knobs on your main tracks to send signal to each effect

• Automate sends for dub throws or control with a MIDI controller

4. Optional – Group FX into a Rack

• Select FX → Right-click → Group

• Use Macro Controls to map key parameters

• Save your rack as a preset (click the floppy disk icon)

Pro Tip:
Use Session View to dub live. Map macros and sends to knobs or faders on your MIDI controller.

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LOGIC PRO – Creating Dub FX Chains with Buses

Best for: Traditional dub mixing, deep built-in reverb tools

Step-by-Step: Using Sends, Buses & Smart Controls

1. Set Up Sends

• In Mixer → on your source track → Send → Bus 1

• Repeat for Bus 2, 3, etc. (each creates an Aux track)

2. Load FX on Aux Channels

• Bus 1: Tape Delay

• Bus 2: ChromaVerb or Space Designer

• Bus 3: AutoFilter

• Bus 4: Overdrive, Bitcrusher, or Pedalboard (for analog-style grit)

3. Adjust Send Levels

• Turn up Send knobs to control the signal amount

4. Use Smart Controls (Optional)

• Click Smart Controls → assign FX parameters to dials for real-time tweaks

5. Save as Channel Strip

• Click the Aux channel settings → Save Channel Strip Setting for recall later

Pro Tip:
Automate sends directly in the timeline for precise dub throws and fades.

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REAPER – Modular Dub FX Routing

Best for: Precision, modular routing, low CPU usage

Step-by-Step: Using Routing Matrix & FX Chains

1. Add Sound Source Track

• Add a track for your audio or MIDI (e.g., guitar skank, snare)

2. Create FX Tracks

• FX Track 1: Add ReaDelay

• FX Track 2: Add ReaVerbate

• FX Track 3: Add JS: Saturation or ReaEQ

3. Route Source to FX Tracks

• Open View → Routing Matrix

• Send from Source Track → FX Tracks

• Set sends as Post-Fader (Post-Pan)

4. Automate FX Parameters or Send Levels

• On any track → click Trim → choose parameter to automate (e.g., delay feedback)

5. Save FX Chains

• In FX Window → FX Menu → Save FX Chain

Pro Tip:
Use REAPER's built-in JS plugins—they’re free, low CPU, and ideal for dub:

• JS: Flanger/Chorus

• JS: Loser/Saturation

• JS: Filters (LowPass, HighPass)

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Final Notes for Beginners and Pros

• Why FX Chains Matter: They give you total control over spatial depth, groove, and energy

• Live or Studio: These setups work for real-time dubbing and post-production mixing.

• Automation = Magic: Automate sends and FX parameters to create the signature “dub throw”

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OUTSIDE THE BOX: Mixer-Based FX Chains

Step-by-Step: Hardware Setup

1. Use a Mixer with AUX Sends (e.g., Mackie, Allen & Heath).

2. Connect Hardware FX Units:

   • AUX 1 → Roland Space Echo / Benidub Echo

   • AUX 2 → Spring Reverb unit

   • AUX 3 → Phaser or Flanger pedal

3. Use Pre-Fader Sends:

   • It keeps your dry signal independent from the wet FX signal.

4. Route Returns to New Channels:

   • Let you EQ, filter, or dub the FX returns themselves.

Perform Dubs Live:

• Use Mute buttons, send knobs, and faders to throw FX and drop tracks in/out.

• Note: I use the send pots/knobs with post set up on my mixer.

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DUBMATIX - MY SETUP

I have two mixers, an Allen & Heath GL2400-24 4 Bus 24 and a Soundcraft FX16ii 16-Channel Mixer with Lexicon Effects. I’ll route my Korg Kaoss Pad into Aux 1, Benidub Digital Delay into Aux 2, Reverb into Aux 3, and then use the built-in Lexicon Aux 4 FX for the 16 channel, on the larger board there are 2 additional Aux sends that can be utilized to create even wilder fx. I use the Aux knobs, that’s my preference rather than faders, and having 4-6 FX all lined up allows me to twist various ones, leaving others open to varying degrees. (For example, I might keep one echo at 50% and use 2 or more other FX on top of that to create a combined FX, etc…)

I have my 1979 RE-150 and Chorus Echo Rolands. I don’t use them as often now as I like EchoBoy Jr and other plugins, but I will rig them in occasionally.

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FINAL THOUGHT
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro, returning to the basics and swapping out FX (plugins or outboard gear) regularly can help keep your ideas fresh. Most dubbers will have a few pieces of gear/plugins that are go-tos; the rest are where new sounds can be combined for unique sounds.

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